As the sun shines brighter and the days grow warmer, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a dessert that’s both refreshing and delightfully sweet. Enter the Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie – a no-bake wonder that promises to be the star of your summer gatherings. This pie combines the tangy zest of lemonade with the creamy texture of cream cheese, all nestled within a buttery graham cracker crust. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a family reunion, or simply need a sweet escape from the heat, this pie is sure to please. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring this summer treat to life.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Pie Filling:
- 1 (5 oz) can of evaporated milk
- 1 (3.4 oz) box of instant lemon pudding mix (one small box)
- 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese
- ¾ cup of frozen lemonade concentrate
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup of sugar
- ⅔ cup of butter, melted
- Alternatively, you can use 1 pre-made 9-inch graham cracker crust for an even simpler no-bake option
Directions
Crafting the Crust:
- If making from scratch: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
- Press this mixture firmly into a deep-dish pie plate, covering both the bottom and the sides evenly.
- For homemade crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until set and golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before filling. For a no-bake crust: Simply skip these baking steps and proceed with the filling.
Preparing the Creamy Lemonade Filling:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk and lemon pudding mix. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Gradually beat the frozen lemonade concentrate into the cream cheese, followed by the thickened pudding mixture, until everything is well combined.
- Spoon this creamy, lemony filling into your cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Chilling and Serving:
- Cover your pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, garnished with whipped cream or lemon slices if desired, and watch as it becomes the highlight of your summer feast!
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes (unless you’re baking the crust, then add an additional 10-12 minutes)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Servings: 8 servings
This Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie is a perfect embodiment of summer joy – light, creamy, and bursting with the vibrant taste of lemonade. It’s a hassle-free dessert that doesn’t require any baking (if you opt for a pre-made crust), making it an ideal choice for those hot summer days when you’d rather not turn on the oven. Give this recipe a try, and let the zesty flavors transport you to a place of utter delight. Enjoy your slice of summer!